Avalanche centre Kevin Porter returns to lineup for Game 5 against Sharks

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Avalanche centre Kevin Porter returns to lineup for Game 5 against Sharks

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Colorado centre Kevin Porter returned to the Avalanche lineup for Game 5 of their playoff series with the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

Porter, who did not have a point in the first two games, missed Games 3 and 4 with an upper body injury.

Porter replaced forward Chris Durno in the lineup, and Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said defenceman Ryan Wilson was also expected to return and play in place of Ruslan Salei.

Porter said he wanted to get back in there and make a difference in the series, which was tied 2-2.

Meanwhile, Sharks forward Dany Heatley participated in the morning skate and declared himself significantly better than Tuesday night, when he played at less than full strength due to an unspecified injury.